Memories 78 years later of a Veteran

 I had my day planned until I opened a tote of family memorabilia.  Apparently  the angels(thanks Dad & Donnee) have been tapping me on the shoulder again.  It is the only explanation today that found me opening this tote.  Nor did I intend to spend the day looking & reading all that was in it! It was a tote box that I have been wanting to sort, but certainly didn't anticipate that it would include all these treasures.  The tote contained ALL the letters my uncle, Walter F. Shaffer, sent home to his parents during World War II.  There was papers, letters and information I have never seen before.  Because my grandfather was a telegrapher for the railroad and used carbon paper; he liked carbon copies of EVERY document and he kept every document concerning the death of his son, Walter F. Shaffner.  Walter died 1 October 1944 in the battle at Peleliu Island, Palou Islands.  There are notice of his death from the Marines, letters of condolences from the Marines, a letter of condolence from Representative Mike Mansfield, railroad bill of lading of his personal effects, telegrams that his parents sent to his brothers, Don & Dean and letters from soldiers who served with Walter.  There is correspondence with the military concerning his insurance, headstone, letters from the funeral home in Dillon, letters to/from the military concerning his last pay.  There were touching letters from fellow soldiers that he had served with.  I haven't had time to go through the letters he wrote home.  (and I may need help with that project!)  

1st Lt. Walter F. Shaffner

(1917-1944)

26 years old

The telegram sent to Walter's parents informing them of his death.

Walter's parents: John & Della Kurtz Shaffner

One envelope contained  a letter from a Marine who was a friend of Walter's.  The letter was written on 24 December 1944 stating that he was sending a picture of his grave and the cemetery.  The picture of the cemetery was there but no picture of his grave.  I am sure that picture was saved, although I don't remember any picture labeled with the information that it was Walter's grave.  (I am sure the angels will direct me to it)

Walter's body was brought to Dillon, Montana for a burial on 12 October 1948.  

The Cemetery

The envelope states "photo of Walter's cemetery"

There is no name of the cemetery or location

President Franklin D. Roosevelt

In Grateful Memory

Walter F. Shaffner received a Purple Heart

America must never forget your sacrifice!